Method and apparatus for precooling refrigerator cars



F. E. GREENE Aug. 23, 1932.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRECOOLING REFRIGERATOR CARS Filed Oct. 12, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Z6; W444i f ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 23, 1932.

I F. E. GREENE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRECOOLiNG REFRIGERATOR CAR Filed Oct.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 @QI y II M 1M M In ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 23, 1932. F. E. GREENE 1,372,937

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRECQOLING REFRIGERATOR CARS Filed Oct. 12, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet z;

IJILSL. 7.

I WA E TTORNEYS.

Patented Aug. 23, 1932 iUNITED STATESVPATEVNT OFFICE FRED E. GREENE, OF BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNORTO A. B. HUMPHREY CO., OF PERKINS, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRECOOLING REFRIGERATOR CARS Application filed October 12 1926. Serial No. 141,206.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus whereby the load or contents of a refrigerator car may be precooled prior to starting the carin transit.

Since the origin of refrigerator cars a number of attempts have been made to maintain uniform temperatures and adequate refrigeration, but Without material success.

. Thousands of dollars have been paid by the carriers to the shippers using refrigerator cars due to the inability of the carriers to maintain the commodity at a sufliciently low temperature to guarantee their delivery at the market in good condition. Refrigerator 15 cars ordinarily contain an ice bunker at each end and the fruit or other commodity is packed in the car intermediate the bunkers. Sufficient refrigeration to cool the commodity in the storage compartment is available in 29 the ice bunkers it means were provided for maintaining the air in constant circulation through thebunkers and the commodity.

Heretofore, I ordinary thermosyphon circulation. has been depended upon for such circulation. 'After a car using thermosyphon ciculation has been iced and loaded, it is found that the commodity does not reach a proper temperature for a comparatively long period of time, even though the car be in motion. Experiments have shown that if a mechanical blower or like device is installed in the '-car to maintain a. positive circulation of air through the ice bunkers and commodity that proper temperatures may be obtained within a few hours. spoilage of the fruit or other commodity shipped in refrigerator cars under the present system and conditions is due to a number of reasons: v

First of all itmust be remembered that the majority of fruits which are transported to distant markets by refrigerator cars are usuallygrown in fairly warm climates, for

instance, as in California, Florida and so on. v

The-fruit arrives at the refrigerator cars at an atmospheric temperature which may be S0 or 90 or more and is placed, in this warm condition, within the cars. After the cars are loaded and sealed the heat must be absorbed 'by the ice and the heat can only be transferred to the ice by the circulation of the air and if no positive air circulation is maintained thermosyphon circulation must be depended upon and the cooling down of the commodity is exceedingly slow. Again, .it may happen that the car is side-tracked after. 65 loading and sealing as such may be detained for hours and days, before shipment, and during shipment. Again, it should be remembered that the fruits which are shipped to distant markets are usually picked in a slightly green condition. If the fruit is not quickly cooled, ripening takes place rapidly and spoilage is increased. On the other hand, if the fruit is cooled as rapidly as possible, after loading, ripening is retarded and the keeping qualities increased particularly when fairly cool temperatures are maintained. Due to the frequent spoilage of shipments both carriers and shippers have agreed upon standard methods of loading and bracing to secure the best results in transportation across the country,

that is, the load is divided into two sections to form a central air passage between the loads and to provide space for a suitable form of bracing which secures the load against shifting, displacement and damage during transit.

The apparatus forming the subject matter 'of the present application does not require any change in the present method of loading andbracing the cars. It embodies a portable apparatus which is placed in the car after it is loaded and braced, the doors are closed after the introduction of the apparatus. The 8 apparatus causes a continuous forced circulation of air through the compartment and the ice bunkers and thereby pre-cools the commodity to a desired temperature. The apparatus is removed after the load is pre cooled and the doors are closed and sealed in the usual manner when the car may be placed on the siding or immediately started in transit as conditions may demand, all as will 9 be hereinafter described.

One form which the invention may assume is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan section of a standard form of refrigerator car taken on the line L-I of Figure 2, I

Figure 2 is a central vertical longitudinal section of the refrigerator car showing the air circulating apparatus in position within the car,

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross section of the refrigeratorv car taken on the line III-III of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross section of one end of the car taken on the line I VIV of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one end of the canvas covering which is placed in the car,

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bracing, said view also showing the portable blowing apparatus which is supported there- Figure 7 is an enlarged cross section of the bracing and the blower apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, in detail, and

articularly to Figures 1 and 2, A indicates, in general, a refrigerator car 2, a bottom or floor section 3 and 4 the sides and ends respectively, 5 the top or roof section. Disposed at each end of the car are ic'e bunkers 6 and intermediate the bunkers is a storage compartment generally indicated at 7 in which the fruit or other perishable commodity to be shipped is packed or stored, according to standard practice, to-wit, in two separate sections or piles, as indicated at 8 and 9.

A central passage 10 is thus formed between the two sections and this passage is employed to promote the circulation of air and to receive the bracing generally indicated at B. The form of bracing employed is also placed in position in accordance with standard practice, the only difference being that the end posts or braces indicated at 11 are extended to the roof of the car in place of the braces indicated at 12, as is usually the case. The reason for extending the end posts will hereinafter be more fully described. The fruit or other commodity shipped is, of course, boxed or crated and the boxes or crates are spaced apart both vertically and sideways so as to permit free circulation of air between the boxes and through the contents thereof.

The cars, as previously stated, are loaded in the usual manner and the bracing generally indicated atrB is then inserted. According to standard practice, it will then only be necessary to close and seal the doors when the car would be ready for shipment or transit. In the present instance, it is desired to pre-cool the commodity before the" car is shipped and this is accomplished as follows 3 After the load is placed in position and the bracing inserted the two piles or sections of the load are covered with sections of canvas as indicated at I l and 15. The innermost end of each canvas cover is secured to across bar generally indicated at D (see Fig I ure 5). This bar is made in two sections, such as shown at 17 and 18 which is centrally connected by means of a hinge 19. The inner end of the canvas cover is nailed or otherwise secured to the bars and it .is placed against the ice bunker bulkhead generally indicated at 20.

In actual practice, it is found that the width of the refrigerator cars varies slightly and as it is desired to rigidly secure they wardly or outwardly and securing the screws to the cross bar D, the same may be rigidly held between the sides .of the car. The canvas, as will be noted, in Figures 4 and 5, is wider than the Width of the car and the sides of the canvas may thus be tucked down over the sides of the load, as indicated at 23,,

the purpose being to prevent any escape of air upwardly around the sides of the c'ar.

The bar is placed in position by crawling over the top of the load so that it may be placed against the bulkhead and there extended and secured. The canvas is, at the same time, spread out over the load and the sides of the canvas tucked downwardly. The opposite end of the canvas which terminates at the bracing B is tacked or otherwise secured to a. cross bar 26 (see Figures 6 and 7) which is angle-shaped in cross section. The

cross bar consists of a vertical section and a base section 27 between which the end of the canvas is secured. The canvas isiiormally rolled upon this cross bar and the operator in placing the canvas in position merely unrolls the canvas as it is spread over the load, the cross bar is placed on top of the I horizontal braces indicated at 28. I

The cross bar 26 serves two functions, first that of holding down the inner end of the a canvas and secondly that of forming a guide for a blower unit generally indicated at C (see Figures 6 and 7). This blower unit consistsof a. pair of longitudinal bars orskids 29 which are secured together by means of a cover plate 30. There are, of course, two

angle bars 26, one for each section of canvas and these angle bars serve as a track or support for the reception of the skids 29 of the blower unit. The blower unit may .be lifted into position or inserted in anysuitable manner.

The cover plate thereof is provided with two openings 31 and 32. A pair of electric -motors are disposed one over each opening,

as indicated at 33 and the motor shafts are extended through the openings and carry fans or blowers 34. The cover section is F the upper ends of the b temperature, reached, the doors are opened and the blowprovided with a telescoping end section 3011 which section is extended, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 6 when the blower unit has been placed in position, and the central air passage 10 is thus completely covered when the blower unit has been inserted.

In actual practice, when the two load sections or piles 8 and 9 have been coveredwith canvas, as shown in Fig. 2, and the blower unit inserted, it is merely necessary to extend the telescoping cover section 30a and to run the power wires of the motors 3e out over the doors, as shown in Figure 3, a'flat cable being preferably'employed so that as little space as possible will be required. The

I doors are then closed andthe motors started by switching on the current. The circulation-of the air will be as follows As the load sections are covered with can-fvas and the central air passage 10 is covered by the blower unit, it will be noted that a continuous air passage, such as indicated at E is formed between the'roof and the to of the load. This passag communicates wit kers 6. The central passage 10, in turn, communicates with the lower ends of-the bunkers as the load is supported by an elevated slatted floor in the usual manner, as indicated at 40. The blow; ers, when set in operation withdraw air from the upper passage E and forces it downwardly into the central (passage 10. The air" is here defused or sprea outwardly between the crates or boxes and circulates freely through the same. It finally passes downwardly through the slats of the elevated 'fioor section 40 and returns to the bottom charges from the upper ends of the bunkers and enters the passage E where it is again returned to the blowers and the central passage B to be again distributed through the load sections and circulated round and round through the load, the bunkers and the passages referred to.

Actual experience has shown that "a few hours suflices to cool the'load to a desired when this temperature is er unit is removed. A cord such as shown at 41 is attached to each of thecross bars D, which cords are extended to the central part of the load or bracing D and the operator merely exerts a pull on the cords, thereby breaking the hinge joint 19 of the cross barsand releasing the canvas. The two canvas sections are thus quickly and readily pulled toward the bracing an removed, when the doors may be closed and sealed in the usual manner. The car/thus pre-cooled is ready for shipment. The time required for the removal of the apparatus is very small as the blower unit is quickly removed and so is the canvas sections, when the doors. are opened and they are, accordingly, opened for such a short period that no perceptible amount of heat is admitted. It is for this reason that it is possible to open the. doors modities will reach the final marketwithout spoilage, than has previously been obtainable. No chan e in the standard method of loading and racing is required and no permanent application of'apparatus or other attachments is required. The only reason'for extending the endmost posts of'thebracing 11 is to provide a space for the angle bars 26 and the canvas cover sections attached there to, This slight change in the bracing is not material and it does not impose any difliculty or additional costs.

-While certain features of the present in- -vention are more or less specifically described, I wish it understood that various changes may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims. Similarly that the materials and finishes ofthe several parts employed may be such as the manufacturer may decide or varying conditions or uses may demand.

In actual practice, it has been found that i the difference in pressure of air above the canvas cover sections and below the same is sufficient to cause the canvas sections to raise upwardly away from the load. This is exceedingly important as it permits the air to circulate above the top of the load or the crates containing the commodityas well as between and under the crates. In other words, each crate ofcommodity from top to bottom is pre-cooled to the desired temperature. This is of further importance as it is well known that the top of the load in refrigerator cars is most affected by the heat of the car and as such usuall market in a poorer condition thanthe remaining portions of the load, making it.necessary a decreased price.

It will, of course, be understood that the canvas is securely fastened down 'so that even thou h it does lift away from the top of the loa it cannot become loose or unfas-v tened due to the variation and pressure 'of the air above and below the canvas.

Having thus described my invention, .what I I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1S arrives at the to sell the top portions of the load at 1. A'method of pre-cooling perishable .commodities in refrigerator cars having ice bunkers .on opposite ends and an intermediate stor age compartment, in which a commodlty is placed in two separate piles to form a central air passage between the piles, which consists in covering the piles and the central air passage to form an upper air passage in communication with the upper ends of the bunkers and maintaining a Constant forced circu lationof air through the piles and the bunkers by drawing the air from the upper ends-of'the bunkers through the upper air passage and directing air downwardly through the central air passage and longitudinally through the piles back to the lower ends of'the bunkers.

2. A method of pre-cooling perishable commodities in refrigerator cars having ice bunkers on opposite ends and an intermediate storage compartment, in which a commodity is placed in two separate piles and bracing inserted between the piles to form a central air passage between the piles, which consists in covering the piles and placing blowers in the centralpas'sage between the piles to cause a continuous forced circulation of air vertically through the bunkers and the central air passage and longitudinally through the load piles and above the same. I

Y 3. A method of pre-cooling perishable commodities in refrigerator cars having ice bunkers on opposite ends and an intermediate storage compartment, in which a commodity is placed in two separate piles and a bracing inserted between the piles to form a central air passage between the piles, which consists in covering the piles and placing blowers in the central passage between the piles to cause a continuous forced circulation of air vertically through the bunkers and the central air passage and longitudinally through the load piles and above the same, removing the pile covers and the blowers when the commodity has been pro-cooled to a desired temperature and then closing and sealing the car for shipment.

Y 4. In a refrigerator car having ice bunkers atopposite ends, and an.intermediate storage compartment in which a perishable commodity is loaded in two piles and braced between the piles, the combination ofa portable apparatus for pre-cooling the commodity before shipment, said apparatus comprising cover members for each pile and a blower mechanism supported by the bracing between the piles and adapted to maintain a continuous circulation of air horizontally through the.

load piles and above the same and vertically through the bracing and the ice bunkers.

,5. In a refrigerator car having ice bunkers at opposite ends, and an intermediate storage compartment in Which a perishable commodity" is loaded in two piles and braced between the piles, a portable apparatus for pro-cooling the commodity before shipment, said apparatus comprising a canvas cover for each cross bars, said-portable blower apparatus comprlsmg a covermember supporting a palr of electric motors and fans and said cover members having openings formed therein to permit air to be circulated through the cover member by the fans, said fans adapted to maintain a continuous forced circulation of air vertically through the bunkers and the bracing and horizontally above the canvas covers and through the piles.

6. In a refrigeratorcar having ice bunkersat opposite ends, and an intermediate storage compartment in which a perishable commodity is loaded in two piles and braced between the piles, a portable apparatus for precooling the commodity before shipment, said apparatus comprising,'a canvas cover for each pile, means for securing the canvas when placed over the piles, said means comprising a collapsible cross bar attached to one end of each canvas cover, said collapsible cross bars adapted to engage the opposite sides of the car -and to retain the ends of the canvas. against removal with relation to the sides of the car and the walls of the ice bunkers, a

rope attached to each collapsible bar and extending to the bracing, said rope when pulled upon collapslng the bar and drawing the canvas towards the bracing when they are to be removed, angle-shaped cross bars attached to the opposite ends of each canvas cover and supported by the brace, a portable air circulating unit adapted to be guided andsupported by said angle bars, said blower unit comprising a pair ofinterspaced skid members, a platesecured thereto and forming a covering for the vertical air passage between the bracing members, said plate having two openings formed therein, an electric motor above each opening and supported by the plate, each motor having a shaft extending downwardly through the opening and each shaft havin to, wires attached through the motors to deliver current thereto, said wires adapted to be extended through the doors of the loading compartment and permitting closing of the doors by lying between the upper ends of the doors and the door frame, said blowers adapted to maintain a continuous circulation of air vertically through the bunkers and horizontally throughthe load piles, said air returning to the lower ends of the bunkers and entering the blowers by leaving the upper ends of the bunkers and passingabove the I canvas covers and then passing downwardly through the openings in the blower unit plate.

a fano'r blower secured there- 7. An apparatus for circulating air from the'refrigerating chamber of a refrigerator car, through the car, and returning it to the chamber, comprising a fabric member for positioning transversely of the car to divide the same into upper and lower chambers, extending from the refrigerating chamber wall toward the car center, means for engaging the car side Walls for retaining the fabric member in position, means for creating an air circulation from one chamber to the other and through the refrigerating chamber, and means connectedwith said car side wall engaging means and extending toward the center of the car for operation to release the fabric member supporting means and affording a means for drawing the fabric member and its supporting means toward the center of the car.

FRED E. GREENE. 

